Michelle Obama to students: Detroit is 'still a city of brave, bold, determined Americans'

AP PhotoFirst lady Michelle Obama speaks at a White House youth leadership and mentoring event at Wayne State University in Detroit, Wednesday, May 26, 2010.First lady Michelle Obama today offered words of hope and encouragement
to dozens of students during a forum at Wayne State University, saying
that Detroit is "still a city of brave, bold and determined Americans."

Obama's visit is part of her efforts to mentor young women. President
Obama has a similar effort to mentor young men. "We're all here because
we care so deeply about your futures. We care about
your future and the future that we all share. I know that focusing on
the future can be hard when times are tough."

Prior to Obama's address, a
panel of celebrities, business leaders and politicians told the
students of ways to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. She was introduced by Gov.
Jennifer Granholm and Cherry Tolbert, a senior at Cranbrook-Kingswood
High School headed to the University of Michigan after her graduation.

"For the past several years it has been tough all over the country, but
this city in particular has known its hard times. Even more recently
you've experienced more grieving than any one city that any city has had
to bear."

"Despite of what some may think they know about this city, I know there
is plenty of hope here," she added.

"Keep focusing on your education. Not playing video games. Not shooting
hoops. Not dropping beats," she said. "The greatest value is found in
the greatest effort. And it is the only
way to become what we truly want to be. Education is the surest way to
success."

While speaking on education, Obama also alluded to Detroit Public
Schools' Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb's plan to revamp the
district, including tearing down and closing several outdated
schoohouses. "Some of you may be in schools that aren't in the greatest
shape. But
that shouldn't keep you from hitting the books when you get home," she
said.

Another key to success, Obama said, is to work together across
boundaries. She encouraged people to work together on "both sides of
Eight Mile," something that was met with great applause from the crowd.

"Consider the outside world around you. We live in a world, and think of
how you can engage broadly with other people and other cultures around
the world," she said.

Obama re-iterated the story of her husband's upbringing overseas and how
his mother woke him up at 4:30 each day to go over schoolwork. Now in
the White House, she said that both she and the President are aware of
the challenges facing young people.

"There is a real truth out there, and that there are a lot of people
listening. I am listening. My husband is listening. There are so many
people who haven't given up on you. There are so many people who believe
that you can do this. There are so many people who are counting on you
all.

"Look young folks, there is so much in life that you can't control, but
these are the things you can. So don't let anyone tell you that your
destiny is set for you. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do
something. What do you tell them? Tell them, 'Yes we can.'"